1 glo·ry
Pronounced:
/ˈglori/
Function:
nounInflected forms:
plural glo·riesMeaning:
1 [noncount] a : public praise, honor, and fame ▪ As a young soldier he dreamed of winning military glory. ▪ He now has only a few trophies to remind him of the glory of his athletic career. ▪ He claimed that everything he did was done for the greater glory of his country. [=was done to bring honor to his country] ▪ Neither candidate has exactly covered himself in/with glory [=neither candidate has been very successful or impressive] during this campaign. ▪ They are basking in the glory of their success. [=they are enjoying the attention that has been given to them because of their success] —see also reflected glory b : praise of a god or goddess ▪ Let us give glory to God. ▪ Glory be to God.
2 [count] : something that brings praise or fame to someone or something : something that is a source of great pride ▪ The glory of the town is its fountain. ▪ an art exhibit showing off the glories of ancient civilizations ▪ He intends this movie to be the crowning glory [=the final, most successful part or achievement] of his career as a filmmaker.
3 [noncount] a : a state of great happiness or satisfaction ▪ When she's on stage, she's in her glory. [=she is at her best; she is most happy] b : a state of great success or beauty ▪ The new owners are trying to restore the company/building to its former glory. ▪ The beautiful art reminds us of the glory of the empire. ▪ The autumn leaves are in their glory now. [=they are at their most beautiful stage now] ▪ He was there in all his glory. [=he was there looking very well or impressive]
2 [count] : something that brings praise or fame to someone or something : something that is a source of great pride ▪ The glory of the town is its fountain. ▪ an art exhibit showing off the glories of ancient civilizations ▪ He intends this movie to be the crowning glory [=the final, most successful part or achievement] of his career as a filmmaker.
3 [noncount] a : a state of great happiness or satisfaction ▪ When she's on stage, she's in her glory. [=she is at her best; she is most happy] b : a state of great success or beauty ▪ The new owners are trying to restore the company/building to its former glory. ▪ The beautiful art reminds us of the glory of the empire. ▪ The autumn leaves are in their glory now. [=they are at their most beautiful stage now] ▪ He was there in all his glory. [=he was there looking very well or impressive]
glory be!
old-fashioned —used to express surprise or happiness ▪ You're pregnant? Well, glory be!
glory days/years
: a time in the past that is remembered for great success or happiness ▪ The team's glory days are long gone. ▪ His glory years as an actor are now far behind him.
go to (your) glory
old-fashioned : to die ▪ remembering those who have gone to their glory
no guts, no glory —see 1gut
—see also morning glory